David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (621)
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Reviews
Château Larrivet Haut Brion Blanc 2007, Ac Pessac Léognan
Bordeaux, France$41.25
This Bordeaux has a beautiful yellow gold hue. It is very aromatic with mineral, honey and fruit notes. The mouthfeel is rich, thick, almost creamy. Citrusy orange rind flavours, nuttiness, lemony acidity and a slightly sour edge. The higher ABV is evident with a touch of heat. The oak is measuredly integrated and complexity abounds. I would drink this all night if it weren't for hangovers, liver disease and the likelihood that I'd fall down and go boom. It's hitting prime time so pry open that cellar. 94+ March 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
González Byass La Copa Vermouth Rojo, Jerez, Spain
Jerez, Spain$25.95
Wow, the amped aromatics on this Spanish Vermouth are striking. Complexity abounds with aromas and flavours of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, fruit cake, vanilla bean, varnish, orange peel, honey, florals, perfume/soap and on and on. Interesting interplay between sweet and bitter, a paso doble rather than a coalescent whole. Medium minus acidity and a viscous mouthfeel. Pleasant bitter medicinal finish. Love it. July 2017.
4.0 Stars
(1000+)V+(41)O
Marqués De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2012, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$34.95
This Rioja Reserva is drinking beautifully now, showing only a hint of garnet at the rim, and with a nice balance between fruit, secondary and tertiary notes. About 3/4 Tempranillo with the rest Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo (Carinena) which umphs the acidity. Both red and dark fruit with lovely sweet spice (vanilla and coconut) from 23 months in American oak. Sandalwood, tomato paste, leather, tobacco, oregano and olive. Tannins are sweet and soft and the length is excellent. Traditional, distinguished and oh so quaffable. Jan. 2024
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Staete Landt Duchess Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Marlborough, New Zealand$26.75
A pungent NZ Sauvignon Blanc further amped by wild yeast and barrel spices but softened by malo to give an interesting take on Marlborough savvy. An intense nose of citrus (lime, grapefruit and mandarin orange) sidling with tropical notes (papaya, kiwi), herbal tarragon and salty minerality. The palate refreshes with bright acidity, but there's an interplay with buttery cream. The palate benefits from an elongated choreography of flavours. Interesting and enjoyable stuff. Dec. 2025.
4.0 Stars
(26)V
Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2013, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$26.95
Wow, given the quality relative to the price point for this Bench Chard, this is a steal. Aromas of apple, pear, melon, citrus with well integrated oak, creamy mouthfeel, balanced acidity and excellent length. Aug. 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
The Hedonist Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$23.95
A lot going right with this dark ruby, magenta edged medium to full bodied shiraz. Chocolate, menthol and slightly gamey nose. Fruit forward with chocolate and pepper carrying through on the palate, but with a sour edge and acidity that offers some balance. Oak is nicely integrated. Great length and soft tannins. I would definitely grip it n' sip it!. July 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Cape Of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2019, W.O. Elandskloof, Overberg
South Africa$25.75
This chard hits many marks - it's balanced, complex, intensely flavoured and long. Notes of yellow apple, peach, pineapple, caramel, spice and diacetyl (buttery) notes indicative of Malo conversion. Medium to full bodied with a lovely creamy mouthfeel indicating lees contact. The fruit's high elevation provides freshness and vibrant acidity. Great value here for fans of bigger oaked Chards but that still give a sense of freshness. Aug. 2023.
4.0 Stars
Trius Distinction Sauvignon Blanc 2021, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.40
An excellent Savvy by Trius, showing medium intensity on the nose but that flavour intensity gets more amped on the palate. Good typicity showing that herbaceous grassy note we all expect along with citrus fruit (grapefruit, lime), and a white pepper spicy note reflecting barrel aging influence. There's also a really pleasing weighty mouthfeel (lees). As expected with SB, acidity is bright and the length is excellent. Great value here. March 2024.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Rolly Gassmann Rotleibel De Rorschwihr Auxerrois 2007, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$15.75
This yellow gold wine is delicious. Mid sweet and honeyed, there's wonderful fruit, fresh acidity a lovely mouthfeel and length and complexity to boot. A slight hint of savouriness puts boundaries on the sweetness. This sips beautifully on it's own and could work with mid sweet food, but not overly sweet dessert.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2013, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$45.20
This County Pinot starts with a funky earthy nose then minerality, sour red fruit (cranberry, red current and pomegranate) and nutmeg. Light to medium bodied, the palate is tart, spicy with white pepper and more sour red fruit. High acidity and integrated tannin. Fresh, juicy and earthy, nicely balanced and quite complex. Excellent length. Another solid effort by Norm. Jan. 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V